Ribble Valley charity store is top of the shops for Gift Aid

A RIBBLE Valley charity shop has been named as the top Gift Aid store in the country.

Longridge’s YMCA shop, which opened its doors in June last year, was named the best out of all the charity’s stores in the country in collecting Gift Aid.

The Berry Lane shop, which is staffed by volunteers, was given the award after 98 per cent of people who donate to the shop sign up for the tax incentive scheme.

Gift Aid allows individuals who are subject to UK income tax to complete a declaration ensuring that any donations they make to a charity are treated as being made after deduction of income tax at the basic rate.

The charity can then reclaim the basic rate income tax paid on the gift from HMRC.

The shop has received a meal voucher by the YMCA after being named the top shop.

Manager Janet Holt, said: “We opened our doors in June 2013 and only started collecting Gift Aid in September or October.

“It’s amazing – especially when you compare us to the much bigger shops in Manchester or Liverpool for example.

“I can’t say exactly how much we have raised through Gift Aid but I can say that it’s a significant amount.

“It’s all down to the generosity of the people of Longridge and the surrounding area. If they didn’t come in and donate and buy from the shop then we would not exist.

“For every pound that is spent in the shop we get 25p in Gift Aid.

“It’s so important to sign up for it because it gives even more money to support local projects and the homeless.”

Ipsoregulated

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